Good rugby, good competition

The fixture is billed as vs Ely & Wendons Ambo however as Wendons do not have a side at u12 we ended up inviting Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club u12. I still have not figured out how they came to make contact but glad they did.

Each team played 2 matches. As is our usual style we tend to start a bit slowly and then find our stride. This was indeed the case again but at the end of the day we ended up playing better as the games went on. We have not hit on the magic formula yet to come out of the gates all guns blazing.

Ely were tenacious as ever despite having no subs. They played with everything they had in a fantastic spirit and very respectful to the refs. Well done to them. Against Ely we played some good support rugby and scored some good tries from that.

Epping were new to us. As we start slowly the first team to play them lost however did get better as the game went on. Our second team game I found was very exciting. Even though I was refereeing the physicality and determination from both sides was great to see. The game was very close and at the end nothing in it. It was great to play a team we have never played before and I feel the squad learnt a lot from that.

Overall the matches are summed up as follows: Our handling, support and fitness levels have improved. Despite the hard games we did not lose a player through injury. Our defence is improving as well and what is pleasing is that contributions are coming from everyone.

Thanks to Ely and Epping for a great day.

Brett